Fran Jones inconsolable after injury-enforced retirement at Australian Open

Simon Briggs Mon, 19 January 2026 at 11:17 am UTC·4 min read Francesca Jones told reporters that she does not want to be seen as a “kid with a syndrome” after a damaged glute forced her to retire in the middle of her Australian Open first-round match in Melbourne. Jones – who suffers from a rare genetic condition called ectrodactyly ectodermal dysplasia (EEC) – was inconsolable after the stoppage, which represented the 22nd retirement of her professional career. As her opponent left the court, she lay face down on the ground and sobbed loudly while a physio manipulated her back and hip area.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two hours later, Jones walked into the interview room and...